Regulations are desperately needed to prevent more pit bull attacks like the one in New Haven that left a woman fighting for her life after she reportedly lost an arm, a leg, and both eyes.

Laws requiring that pit bulls be spayed or neutered, walked on a leash, and never be chained or penned outdoors help prevent dog attacks — dogs who are not neutered and those who are kept chained are nearly three times more likely to bite.

Such laws also help protect pit bulls from the neglect and abuse they suffer more than any other breed. Pit bulls are virtually the only dogs used in dogfighting, and are often sought out by thugs who chain and abuse them to make them “mean.” They top the list of breeds admitted to and euthanized in many shelters.

Breed-specific protections and regulations are vital if we hope to prevent more pit bulls from being abused — and attacking. To learn more, visit www.PETA.org.